THE Federal Government has reopened all 47 Federal Unity Colleges closed in November following a string of security incidents, including mass abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger States.
The government, in a statement on Thursday, December 17, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education nationwide.
The closures, directed in a circular dated 21 November 2025, and signed by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education, came after armed men abducted at least 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and killed the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, while attempting to protect the students.
Three days later, St. Mary’s School in Agwara, Niger State, was attacked, with scores of pupils and staff whisked away.
Following these attacks, the Federal Government ordered principals of Unity Schools to suspend academic activities immediately and release students.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Ministry of Education confirmed that academic activities had fully resumed after strengthening the security architecture around the affected schools,
It noted that students had returned safely, with many concluding their December academic programmes and others completing examinations.
The ministry also assured parents, guardians, and the public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remained its top priority.
It said the government continued to work closely with security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy across school environments nationwide.
“The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment.
“This administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development. Accordingly, it remains determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar. The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the Government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges,” the statement added.
The affected Unity Colleges are spread across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West regions, including schools in Minjibir, Zaria, Bakori, Potiskum, Buni Yadi, Bida, Suleja, Ilorin, Ikare Akoko, and Ijebu-Imusin.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M